6th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, New Delhi

The Sixth World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, held in New Delhi from January 10 to 14, 1977, is a significant event organized under the auspices of the International Association on Earthquake Engineering. The Indian Society of Earthquake Technology and the Institution of Engineers (India) extended invitations for the conference, with several government departments and organizations co-sponsoring the event.

This conference is part of a series held every four years, with the first one taking place in 1956 in San Francisco. Over the years, these conferences have expanded in scope and participation, contributing to advancements in earthquake engineering research.

Bringing together seismologists, geologists, and engineers, the conference addresses various issues related to earthquake hazards, including prediction, risk mitigation, design of earthquake-resistant structures, and rescue operations. Its significance for India, with approximately 55% of its area falling under seismic zones, is paramount.

India’s Geological Survey and Meteorological Department have long been engaged in studying tectonic and seismological phenomena. Additionally, the establishment of the School of Research and Training in Earthquake Engineering at the University of Roorkee in 1960 furthered engineering research in this field.

The publication of the first code of practice for earthquake-resistant design of structures by the Indian Standards Institution in 1962, followed by subsequent adaptations, has been instrumental in advancing earthquake engineering studies in India.

Hosting the Sixth World Conference on Earthquake Engineering underscores India’s progress in this field. To commemorate this significant occasion, the Posts and Telegraphs Department is issuing a commemorative stamp.